If you're looking to be master of the Internet-based communications universe--whether it be making phone calls from your PC, instant messaging, or sending SMS messages--you'll want to give Gizmo5 a try. It's Skype-like software that lets you make free phone calls to other Gizmo users--and inexpensive calls to landlines and cell phones all over the world. It's a universal instant messenger as well.
Setup is quite easy; the software should automatically recognize your hardware. In addition, when you install it, it looks at your PC setup for instant messengers such as AIM Yahoo Messenger and Yahoo! Messenger. It then puts those contacts automatically into Gizmo5. It also looks in any address books for existing Gizmo users so that you can call them for free.
Even if you use the program only as an instant messenger, you'll be pleased with it, because it lets you communicate with multiple instant messenger systems, including AIM, MSN Messenger, Yahoo Messenger and others. But the real reason for using the software is making phone calls overseas, because the savings can be substantial. You'll only pay 1.9 cents per minute for a call to a U.K. cell phone for example, compared to 22.9 cents per minute, says the Gizmo Web site.
Note that when you install the software, by default it will install the Ask.com Toolbar and set your home page to Ask.com. Make sure to uncheck the proper boxes if you don't want that to happen. Also, be careful when going through the setup screen, because it may automatically send out notices to all of your contacts, recommending they use Gizmo.
Review done by PC World
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